SHAHEEN MOLLAH and MD ABBAS

There is no sign of rice prices going down despite the government’s efforts to stabilise the staple market, including expansion of Open Market Sale (OMS) programme and the move to accelerate imports.

Some of the rice varieties have seen Tk 0.5 to Tk 1 hike per kg this week at retail level, compared to last week.

Prices of almost all varieties have been increasing over the past three weeks.

The interim government has announced an expansion of the OMS programme across the country to help families cope with inflation, as retail prices of kitchen essentials continue to soar in the local market.

The programme’s first phase will begin on January 12, and sales will continue until February, according to food ministry officials.

Speaking to The Daily Star on Thursday, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said the price of rice has increased exponentially in the local market, which is why the government has taken the initiative to provide relief to the common people.

In November, the National Board of Revenue withdrew duties and regulatory taxes on rice imports. It also lowered the advance income tax from five percent to two percent.

The government then allowed 277 private entities “The

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